The Sights and Sounds Podcast: Recent Episodes
Courtney Holly and Jonathan Everett
Welcome to the Sights and Sounds Podcast, a show made by filmmakers for filmmakers! Join actress, voice over, and SFX makeup artist Courtney Holly and actor turned writer and director, Jonathan Everett, as we discuss getting started in the industry, acting, screenwriting, and DIY filmmaking. Oh! And come along on our journey towards our first independent feature film! Let's talk about making movies!
Halloween. Hereditary. Hellraiser. Not everyone loves scary movies, but many, like us, absolutely love them. Some filmmakers devote their entire career to the genre, and it's a staple genre for indie and up and coming filmmakers to capitalize on when starting their journey into feature films. But why?That's exactly the question we sat down with writer/director and friend of the show, Wolfe MacReady, to discuss. Wolfe is a talented writer, director, and SFX artist, a frequent collaborator with Jonathan and Courtney on their films, and currently in pre-production for their first feature film, Giving Up the Ghost, a haunting tale about escaping not only an abusive relationship, but the (in this case, supernatural) ways in which it can continue to pursue us long after the relationship is dead.
So, let's dive in and talk all things horror! And be sure to check the links below to be a part of Wolfe's first feature film:
Back the film Giving Up the Ghost by Wolfe McReady Here!
Learn More About the Film Here!
We all know the saying "writing is re-writing," but what does that actually mean? And when do you stop re-writing your script? When you start pre-production? The shooting draft? And even when your script is locked - does that mean your story is, too?
That's exactly the question Courtney and Jonathan work to answer in this episode of the Sights + Sounds podcast. And while every writer, and every script, and every story, is different, there are definitely some tried and true lessons to learn about getting married to one version of your script or story. Lessons that, if not learned, could ultimately prove to be detrimental to your film, even with your best intentions.
So, buckle up and tune in as we walk through these concepts and lessons that Jonathan learned the hard way with his films...so that you don't have to!
Welcome to The Sights + Sounds Podcast, where we unravel the art of filmmaking and explore the boundless possibilities of independent cinema. In this episode, we embark on an illuminating journey to unveil the secrets behind strategically placing your film for ultimate success.
Join Courtney and Jonathan as they engage in an insightful discussion on the importance of understanding your audience's preferences. Learn how to decode your audience's desires and curate a tailored distribution strategy that ensures your masterpiece resonates with the right viewers.
Dive deep into the world of film platforms as we dissect the best avenues for showcasing independent films. From the mainstream giants to the hidden gems, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to unveil the ideal platforms that match your film's unique identity.
But that's not all – the excitement continues as we unveil the mystique of film festival circuits. Our seasoned guests divulge their first-hand experiences, offering valuable tips to navigate the festival landscape successfully. Discover how these festivals can become the stepping stones to acclaim, recognition, and valuable industry connections.
Whether you're a budding filmmaker or a seasoned veteran seeking new perspectives, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to The Sights + Sounds Podcast now and equip yourself with the knowledge to catapult your film's reach and impact.
Subscribe to The Sights + Sounds Podcast on your preferred podcast platform for more captivating episodes that celebrate the synergy of sights, sounds, and storytelling in the world of cinema.
In this episode hosts Jonathan and Courtney delve into the crucial topic of budgeting and the art of navigating the challenging waters when the funds don't align with your ambitious vision.
Whether you're a budding filmmaker taking your first steps or a seasoned pro seeking a fresh perspective, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. Drawing from their extensive experience in the industry, Jonathan and Courtney candidly share their firsthand encounters with upcoming projects, as well as lessons learned from previous film endeavors.
Join us as we uncover the secrets to making your film dreams a reality, even when faced with financial constraints. Discover innovative strategies to optimize your resources and maximize the impact of every dollar spent. From clever cost-cutting techniques to creative problem-solving, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge to overcome budgetary challenges and bring your cinematic vision to life.
Whether you're grappling with limited resources or seeking inspiration to make the most of what you have, this episode of the Sights + Sounds Podcast is your go-to resource. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and unlock the secrets of successful filmmaking, as Jonathan and Courtney empower you with practical tips and real-life anecdotes.
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Spoiler Alert! In this episode, Jonathan and Courtney discuss the movie adaptation of "Dungeons and Dragons." They also touch upon potential spoilers for other shows and movies, ensuring that listeners stay informed and prepared. Listen at your own risk!
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In this week's installment, hosts Jonathan and Courtney delve into the captivating world of adaptations and explore what truly makes a good transition from video games to TV shows or books to movies. With their extensive professional experience, they offer their expert opinions on the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of these adaptations.
Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion as Jonathan and Courtney analyze the key elements that contribute to a successful adaptation. From staying true to the source material to capturing the essence of the original content, they leave no stone unturned in exploring the factors that make or break these transformations.
As passionate storytellers themselves, our hosts can't help but discuss some of their personal favorites and disappointments. They dive into fascinating case studies, highlighting examples of both remarkable adaptations that exceeded expectations and those that fell short of the mark. Expect a thrilling conversation filled with insightful analysis and plenty of engaging anecdotes.
Tune in to this episode of The Sights + Sounds Podcast for an enlightening exploration of what makes for a truly exceptional adaptation. Whether you're a fan of video games, books, or both, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the world of adaptations that you won't want to miss!
XR MOTION
Experience the Future of Digital Art with XR Motion! 3D, VR, AR, AI, NFT, Motion Graphics
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
What's the number one reason people give up on an independent film they're watching? It's not the acting. It's not the director or the story falling short. It's the sound.
Not only does good (or bad) audio make or break a film, but great sound design, mixing, foley, and ADR are often the elements to truly elevate a film. If a film's visuals are the meat and potatoes of a movie, the sound is the seasoning. Leave it out entirely, and your meal is pretty bland. Use the right amount and the right kind, and you've got an amazing dish...err, film, on hand. :)
And that's exactly why this episode brings in Ken Baumann, a masterful audio mix engineer, in for a chat about the importance of audio. Listen in as Jonathan and Courtney pick his brain on planning how to use sound in film from the very beginning, and discuss how to use sound - even the way dialogue is mixed - to tell a better story!
XR MOTION
Experience the Future of Digital Art with XR Motion! 3D, VR, AR, AI, NFT, Motion Graphics
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Join Courtney and Jonathan in this insightful episode of The Sights + Sounds Podcast, where they delve deep into the realm of independent filmmaking and explore the crucial art of managing expectations. In the unpredictable world of filmmaking, it's common for aspiring creators to encounter obstacles and face disappointment when their grand visions don't align with reality.
In this episode, Courtney and Jonathan share their experiences and expert advice on how to gracefully handle the ups and downs of the creative process. They tackle the common scenario of when your big idea doesn't materialize as envisioned, helping listeners understand the importance of adaptability and embracing creative detours.
Knowing your limits is another crucial aspect of managing expectations, and our hosts shed light on recognizing and respecting your boundaries as a filmmaker. From financial constraints to time limitations, they provide valuable insights on setting realistic goals without compromising your artistic integrity.
One of the most valuable lessons independent filmmakers can learn is how to rise above the countless challenges encountered on set. Courtney and Jonathan share anecdotes and practical tips on overcoming obstacles, finding solutions, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. They emphasize the importance of resilience and highlight the transformative power of turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Tune in to this episode of The Sights + Sounds Podcast and discover actionable strategies for managing expectations in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of independent filmmaking. Whether you're a novice filmmaker seeking guidance or an industry professional looking for fresh perspectives, Courtney and Jonathan's expertise and storytelling prowess will leave you inspired and better equipped to navigate the thrilling roller coaster ride of filmmaking.
Sights + Sounds is your go-to resource for all things independent filmmaking, where we dive into captivating discussions with industry professionals, share invaluable tips, and empower you to turn your filmmaking dreams into reality. Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes and join the community of passionate creatives on this exciting journey.
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The WGA is on strike. Hollywood is all but shut down. No, it's not 2008 again, but it IS another, arguably more pressing, pivotal moment in film history. While writers (and soon, possibly SAG-AFTRA actors, too) are fighting for fairer wages, their fight against the man is simultaneously a fight against the machine, as AI threatens to upend the very existence and perceived value of writers, actors, and just about everyone working in the industry.
But how does that affect you, the Indie Filmmaker? And what can we, as independent filmmakers and creatives, do to help preserve our very future?
Fortunately, our guest speakers on this topic have some perspective in this arena to help us discuss these topics! Joining us on this episode are Sammy Pendergrast, author of the Bluestar Series, and local Nashville actor, Evan Taylor Williams, who will play the lead in Kurath Thor, Sammy's short film spun from her sci-fi novels. The Bluestar series, and Kurath Thor, focuses on an adventurer in the deep recesses of space amidst a civil war between AI, androids, and mankind. A timely topic for this forming fulcrum in history, right?!
Check the episode out, and then check out the links below if you want to contribute to the Kurath Thor crowdfunding campaign and/or get your hands on a copy of the Bluestar books!
Kurath Thor Funding Campaign
Read the Bluestar Series
XR MOTION
Experience the Future of Digital Art with XR Motion! 3D, VR, AR, AI, NFT, Motion Graphics
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
We're BAAAACK!!
In this episode, Jonathan and Courtney delve into two crucial aspects of the creative world: the "Fake It Til You Make It" mindset and the essentials of assembling a dynamic "Skeleton Crew" for independent short films. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind these strategies and explore their impact on the filmmaking industry.
We begin by exploring the concept of "Fake It Til You Make It" and its relevance to success in creative pursuits. Jonathan and Courtney share their insights on how adopting this mindset can help aspiring filmmakers navigate the challenging landscape, build confidence, and seize opportunities that propel their careers forward, as well as the dark side of "Fake It Til You Make It" and how it can hinder your success if approached the wrong way!
Next, we transition to the world of independent short films and the importance of a well-structured "Skeleton Crew." We share our insight on how to assemble a lean but efficient team, encompassing key roles like director, cinematographer, production designer, sound engineer, and editor. We discuss the significance of each role and how to maximize their contributions while working with limited resources.
Throughout the episode, we offer practical tips and strategies for filmmakers looking to make the most of their resources and talent. We delve into topics such as networking, leveraging social media platforms, and creative problem-solving, empowering listeners to overcome obstacles and embrace the spirit of resourcefulness.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker seeking guidance or a film enthusiast curious about the behind-the-scenes process, this episode provides valuable insights into the power of "Fake It Til You Make It" and the art of building an effective "Skeleton Crew" for independent short films. Tune in to the Sights and Sounds Podcast, and unlock the keys to success in the creative realm.
XR MOTION
Experience the Future of Digital Art with XR Motion! 3D, VR, AR, AI, NFT, Motion Graphics
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
The Sights and Sounds is BACK with a special BONUS episode! We sat down with 5 talented filmmakers who all participated in the 54 Film Fest's 2023 competition. If you've listened to our show at all, you've likely heard Jonathan say, "constraints bolster creativity," and this mantra has it's roots in the 54, a timed competition that asks filmmakers to conceive, write, shoot, edit, and deliver a fully realized short film in just 54 hours.
With an Actors on Actors style roundtable approach to this special podcast episode, Jonathan and Courtney discussed the creative process with each of these multi-talented filmmakers, covering their screenwriting process, how they handled shooting with a skeleton crew, scouting and acquiring locations for films they hadn't even written yet, and more!
And hey, good news! Season 2 of the show is on its way, too - set to return in June, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the films discussed in this episode using the links below:
Films discussed:
Others by Team Imagistorm Productions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DqcK5ii6WE
No Zombies by Team Creative Arcana
https://youtu.be/itGuOK0uuIs
Vessel by Team RoseBlood
https://youtu.be/1lFGRI2WGQk
Agent 54 by Team SciCo Productions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK27cRF89RQ&themeRefresh=1
Good Dog by Team Sloth Cinema
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSV-LObmXQA3nvT7YMSs57g
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Studio 615 Nashville!
Book your next production or schedule a tour at www.studio615.co
Special thanks to:
Ken Baumann of Ken Baumann Mixing
http://www.kenmixesmusic.com
The wonderful producers of the 54 Hour Film Festival
https://54filmfest.org
Justin Mayotte with BCAM for capturing footage of our discussion.
https://www.instagram.com/squeeksontour/?hl=en
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Creating takes time. And it takes energy. So, it shouldn't surprise us that creating consistently and constantly over time time can be exhausting. Just like anything else, you can start to feel burned out. (Trust us - this is, after all, the FINALE of an ENTIRE season of a podcast - even we're tired!)
So, given this is the finale episode of our first season, as we enter into the wintry months of the year, an episode on burnout just felt appropriate. What is creative burnout? Can burnout and exhaustion in general affect your creativity? And most importantly, how do you get past or overcome creative burnout?
And yeah, this is the FINAL episode of season one of the Sights and Sounds podcast. Wut. How? Feels crazy. But never fear! After a few months hiatus, Season 2 of the Sights and Sounds will be back with a creative fury, bringing you more film learning, guest appearances, and updates on our feature film, "The Lake."
In the meantime, we'll likely drop in some bonus episodes, so keep an eye out! We won't abandon our faithful listeners the entire season break. :)
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Once known primarily as a comedic writer, Jordan Peele rapidly made a name for himself as a serious horror writer and director with his debut film, Get Out and then his follow-up, Us. This year saw his most recent outing, Nope, and we can safely say: The first two films weren't flukes.
Once again starring Daniel Kaluuya, Nope brings a new spin to the UFO sci-fi and horror tropes, delivering loads and loads of Peele's signature subtext and symbolism into its tight and unusual plot.
Join us in this episode of the Sights and Sounds while Jonathan and Courtney react to and review the film, and talk through the brilliant ways Peele used real science to create a fantastical horror monster, shaped a thematic undercurrent to his narrative that comes full circle, and all the sneaky foreshadowing expertly layered into the film's open act.
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Writing is HARD. Or, at least, it can be. And that's especially true if you're just learning the principles of writing a good story for the first time, or transitioning your writing from screenwriting to another medium (or vice versa!).
So, in today's episode of the Sights and Sounds, we sit down for a chat with Faith McQuinn to do both of those things - and more - with your writing. Faith is a multi-talented, seasoned writer, editor, and director with a writing resume about as long and varied as can be. She's written for feature films, podcasts, and even novels. (Even ghost writing novels!) Her podcast shows like BOOM, Margaritas and Donuts, and Apollyon are each outstanding in their own right - definitely check those out for more podcasts to dig into.
Point of fact, this podcast wouldn't even exist without Faith. Seriously! Her casting of Courtney in the BOOM podcast is the first link in the chain that led Courtney to be cast in Jonathan's "The Last Laugh" Joker fan film. Kismet!
During this episode, Faith mentions a few great resources for writers and downloading scripts to read and digest. Check out the links below:
https://imsdb.com
https://nofilmschool.com/2022-academy-award-screenplay-download
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Star Wars. Star Trek. Marvel. DC. Overwatch. God of War.
They're all different universes and stories, but they all share at least one major focal point: Fans. And some of those fans like to make films. Enter: Fan films!
They've become increasingly popular and prolific over the years. Star Wars' fan films like "Darth Maul: Apprentice" and Overwatch fan films like "Heroes Never Die" and "Shadows" - both by our friends over at Lupin Productions - these fan films have incredibly high production value and millions of views. We even have our own fan film under our belt, "The Last Laugh: A Joker Fan Film," which is how our two co-hosts met in the first place. (And we're still really dang proud of that film.)
But, that brings us to the question at hand: Should you shoot a fan film?
The answer is no. And yes.
There's a lot to consider when making a fan film. First and foremost: Why do you want to? What will you gain from making it? Can you make money from a fan film? Can you get sued for making a fan film? How hard should (or can) you go on the production when making a fan film? And perhaps most importantly: What are you willing to give up in order to make your fan film?
So, kick back and buckle in for this Jonathan-only episode (sorry Courtney fans!) where I break down my experiences making such a film, what I've learned, and the potential answers to all of these filmmaking questions!
Blood Suckers
We have a lot of necks to suck, to find the perfect vampire film...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
FRANK HORROR Presents: THE HORROR ANALYSIS
FRANK HORROR features both horror fiction and talk-format shows
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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We all know it. That creeping intrusive thought:
“I’m not good enough.”
It’s all part of a little thing we like to call “imposter syndrome” and more people experience it than they talk about.
Join us as we discuss Imposter Syndrome and pushing through it!
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How many times have you caught yourself wondering "how can I get on set more?"
Probably quite a few times, yeah?
We all ask it! But how does one get on more film sets?
Mayhaps rather than asking "how can I get on set more?" we should be asking "what more can I do to get myself on set?"
That's where multiple skills come in handy friends!
Join us as we discuss why it's important to have multiple skills to offer, and how that will result in you being on set more frequently!
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Artificial Intelligence has been growing by leaps and bounds, and now, with the rise of Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and other popular AI art generators, it's been rapidly invading the worlds of art and creativity. We're even witnessing the forefront of AI music through projects like Google's Magenta, and in the beginnings of AI voiceover and video (and hosts/actors) with services like Synthesia.
So, is this the beginning of the end for artists? When AI can start successfully churning out full films and videos, are your days as an independent filmmaker over? Is the truth of Skynet a robotic army of artists, rather than Terminators?
I mean...maybe? But we're not so sure. Being an independent filmmaker or creative has ALWAYS been about utilizing the newest, cheapest, and/or most accessible tools to tell your story or make your art. Perhaps AI-generated art is the digital DSLR of the current era - a tool that just about anyone can pick up and can cleverly use to accomplish things that formerly required a massive budget or at least some outsourcing and hiring.
Jonathan, in particular, has been playing around with Midjourney and has some ideas on how he wants to use it to make his filmmaking even better without spending much money or time. So listen in as he and Courtney discuss the future of filmmaking and AI in this episode of the Sights and Sounds podcast, and what it is that may always separate human creatives and filmmakers from tools like DALL-E 2 and it's ilk.
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"Does this make sense" is probably one of the most common questions we ask ourselves as filmmakers.
Whether you're an actor, writer, director, or cinematographer we are always questioning ourselves.
In this episode, Jonathan and Courtney delve into why and WHEN it's okay for things to not "make sense" and why the heart of your film matters more!
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Steven Spielberg. Stanley Kubrick. Quentin Tarantino. David Sandberg. James Wan. Sam Raimi. Each one is a great film director. Different styles. Different genre preferences. Different visions. And you know what else?
They all got started directing films in different ways.
So, how does one become a film director? Most moviegoers don't even really know what a director does - heck, some early filmmakers don't know - so, of course, the question of how to become one can be just as mysterious.
We've both worked with our fair share of brilliant directors, and Jonathan's directed dozens of short films -- not to mention we've got our feature film on the horizon. While we don't have THE answer (hint: there isn't just one!), we do have quite a few to talk about, so let's do just that on the Sights and Sounds!
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Why do we love film so much?
Why can we watch the same movie over and over again and still feel something different, or revisit the same emotions it gave us the first time around!? What makes film, and filmmaking, unique and different from other creative mediums, like music, fine art, and photography? (And in what ways is it similar?)
Film is an incredible medium, and in this episode, Courtney and Jonathan speculate the many reasons why film does things differently!
All art forms are worthy and amazing in their own right, but what exactly is it that film does differently than any other medium?
Let's discuss!!
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Picture it… it’s 5 years in the future: you’re sitting at your computer, finishing revisions on the 40th cut of your latest short film.
“It’s gotta be perfect” you say.
Then you hear the ghostly whispers of your friendly neighborhood filmmakers Jonathan and Courtney say:
“Done isssss betterrr thaaann perfect!”
A chill runs down your spine.
“They’re right!” You say.
Your film is released on time. You live happily ever after.
OOOOOOOOO spooooooooooooky!!!
No, but seriously. You’ll be reminding yourself of this episode every time you overanalyze or overthink your projects. Yes, you should strive for excellence in your work. You want to learn how to avoid plot holes and editing pitfalls that will bring the quality of your films down. You want to constantly improve as a filmmaker and creative and make films people enjoy, BUT...
Your audience isn’t going to see the mistakes that YOU see. Not if you focus on doing the things right that matter and keep your audience invested.
So, in this episode, Jonathan and Courtney dive deep into what it means to be forgiving of mistakes, accept that nothing is perfect, and still become a great filmmaker and creator!
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WARNING SPOILERS FOR THOR LOVE AND THUNDER!
[Insert Goat Screams Here!]
In this episode Jonathan and Courtney discuss their thoughts on Thor: Love and Thunder immediately after seeing the film!
How did Jane Foster Thor pan out? How does Thor grow as a character from his last outings in Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War, and Ragnarok? How does Gorr the God Butcher play as a villain? (And does Christian Bale absolutely kill it as Gorr? We all expected that, right? ) Jonathan, as a quintessential comic nerd, will try to restrain himself and talk purely as a filmmaker, but you can be sure some comic lore is going to slip out here and there.
Well, what are you waiting for? Take a ride with us through Taika Waititi’s latest mad romp in the MCU and dissect how the film feels initially, from a storytelling and filmmaking perspective!
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*WARNING*** SPOILERS FOR STRANGER THINGS SEASON 4 EPISODE 9!
Demodogs, Carrie references, and Vecna, oh my! The Stranger Things Season 4 finale was filled with Upside Down madness, gave us some heavy, emotional scenes, answered some questions, and gave us even more. After a couple weeks to let it (Sadie) sink in, Jonathan and Courtney went live on Instagram to discuss Episode 9, "The Piggyback" and all that's unfolded for the cursed town of Hawkins!
What happened to Max in the final minutes of the episode? How did Eleven resurrect her? Is Eddie coming back in Season 5 in some way? How is Will Byers' connection to the Mind Flayer, now aka Vecna, going to play into the story for the finale season? Will Season 5 be a dystopian apocalypse when it arrives? Join us as we discuss these questions and more, dissect the story and plot points of Stranger Things fourth season, dive into wild fan theories (Courtney's got a doozy of an Eddie theory), and discuss one of the most pivotal series to debut in the last decade!!
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Lights, cameras, actors! Yes, creative community, today we are talking all about your acting career. What do you expect from your acting career? What does an acting career look like in reality? How do people get started in the film industry? Do you need a day job to be an actor?
Despite taking on new aspects and roles in our film careers, each of us has our roots in acting, but in very different ways. So listen in as we talk about our experiences as theatrical and film actors, have some real talk about actor trajectories, and have a ton of fun along the way.
And of course, get the latest update on our journey toward creating our first feature-length independent film, working title, "The Lake."
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Did we get your attention?
Watching a million-dollar blockbuster when you are first starting out can set some high ( what almost feels like unattainable) bars. Right? "Comparison is the thief of joy" as they say, and you can't be comparing your Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 20!
In this episode, Jonathan and Courtney discuss watching films objectively, ways to practice your craft, and how you should be evaluating your own work by watching others in your skill level!
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WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things Season 4: Volume 2, Episode 8: "Papa"
This bonus episode of the Sights and Sounds podcast was recorded live after viewing the first episode of Volume 2, and before watching the finale episode, "The Piggyback." Listen in to hear not only our unfiltered reaction to the episode, but our review of the episode and speculation and theories before watching the finale!
Stranger Things is a special piece of TV literature. It's captivated the world since it first introduced us to Eleven, Hopper, Dustin, and the rest of their D&D loving friends. The show has had it's ups and downs (and Upside Down) over it's previous seasons, but it's always managed to retain it's place in pop culture.
Now, after a very long wait, Stranger Things is back with a vengeance, and Volume 2 has a lot to reckon before concluding the season. Will Eleven defeat Vecna? How did the Russians capture part of the Mind Flayer? Will Hopper and Joyce make it out of the Soviet Union? And most pressing of all: Who is going to die in the finale? (Don't you DARE take Steve from us, Netflix!!!)
So kick back, and hang out with us as we chat about the episode from beginning to end, thinking about it both as viewers and as filmmakers. We'll cover our favorite parts of the penultimate episode, what bugged us (Brenner is apparently the physically toughest character to kill in Stranger things eye roll), and make some educated guesses on where the story arc of each character is going to take us in the Stranger Things finale!
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Networking is hard.Especially when you're first getting started. But it's a necessary skill in almost every career and industry. The filmmaking industry is no different. In fact, it's even more important in entertainment. So, if you're an actor, screenwriter, film director, producer, cinematographer -- whatever your film niche is, you need to build your network. But how?!
Fear not! Jonathan and Courtney are here to help!
In this episode, our friendly neighborhood filmmakers discuss getting started in the film business, and networking as a newbie creative human! Whether you just moved to a new city or you just need an idea of where to begin, join us we'll help you as best as we can!
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*Warning This episode was recorded prior to many recent events and has a short discussion about prop guns that may be triggering in light of recent events.*Filmmakers and creatives like their toys. And when you want to create the best film you can, it’s easy to feel like you need the newest or best gear: The best cinema camera. The latest RODE microphone. New VFX assets. Maybe a Steadicam or Ronin gimbal, or maybe you've got your eyes on a new lighting system. But, what do you really need to get started? What do you need to create your first handful of short films? How should you spend your money? Should you spend any money at all?
Jonathan and Courtney share their experiences - and mistakes - getting started as actors, as indie filmmakers, and in professional voice acting. What they bought that maybe they shouldn’t have. What they wish they’d done instead. And maybe most importantly, how making short films with absolutely no budget and with no gear is one of the best things you can do to become a better filmmaker!
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What is the Sights and Sounds podcast? Glad you asked! Hosted by Courtney Holly and Jonathan Everett, this show is all about life, learning, and growing as a creative in the film industry. We’re on this journey with you. We know how weird and winding and downright confusing it can be. Whether you’re an actor, a screenwriter, a solo filmmaker, a director, or you just love movies and don’t know yet where you “fit in” - we’re here for you.
We’re here to serve as a resource to others building their creative careers. To share experiences. Mistakes made. Lessons learned. Hopefully, to inspire and motivate you to keep going. To talk movies and have some fun. Oh, and along the way, we’ll invite you to go behind the screens on our journey to creating our first feature film!
But hold up – just who are we? (Other than two absolute goofball nerds, you mean?) Another great question…and one this episode is here to answer! We’re actors, first. One of us is a director. One of us does special effects makeup, too...and professional voice acting. Oh, and one is a screenwriter…You know what? This is a boring way of finding all that out about the two of us. So listen to this introductory episode – Let’s get to know each other!
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